Herb Article Pasque Flower (2024)

FAQs

Is pasque flower poisonous to humans? ›

Wild pasqueflowers can be poisonous to humans and animals and can trigger an allergic reaction when touched. Despite its toxicity, aerial parts of the pasqueflower have been used traditionally in sedatives, painkillers, and remedies for eye conditions such as cataracts.

Medicinal Properties

Pasque also has anti-spasmodic and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. It can soothe dysmenorhea (painful periods), digestive colic/cramping, respiratory and muscle spasm. Pasque also increases venous circulation, to induce sweating and break fever (diaphoretic), and eruptive infections.

Ripe seed is dispersed by the wind. The feathery seed heads are produced and remain on the plant, looking quite ornamental, for several weeks before being dispersed by the wind. This low growing plant is suitable for rock gardens or the front of the perennial border.

In Christian symbology, the pasque flower is associated with ideas of rebirth, dignity, nobility, and grace. It relates to the Easter holiday, and its purple pigmentation was used in olden times to color and stain Easter eggs.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms or to prevent self-seeding. There is no need to cut back the plant in winter. Its dried seed heads and foliage add interest to the winter garden. Wait until spring and then cut it back to the ground right before new growth emerges.

Toxicology. Pasque flower is extremely toxic and should not be ingested or applied to the skin.

Pasque flower blooms for 4 to 6 weeks in spring with fuzzy flower buds that open to 1.5-inch-wide purple flowers that dance in the breeze. Fuzzy, feathery seedheads take up the dance when the blooms end.

Did you know? The Pasqueflower blooms in April, around Eastertime; for this reason, it is known as the 'anemone of Passiontide' and its common name 'pasque' derives from the word 'paschal' which means 'of Easter'.

Pasque is from a French word for Easter (Old French Pasque (“Easter”) or Middle French Pasques (“Easter”), related to Pesach (“Passover”)), because they bloom around Easter.

Derived from the Hebrew word for Passover, "pasakh", the common name pasque flower refers to the Easter (Passover) flowering period, in the spring. Common names include pasque flower (or pasqueflower), wind flower, prairie crocus, Easter flower, and meadow anemone.

Is pasque flower endangered? ›

Eastern pasque flower is a poisonous species. It can crossbreed with spring pasque flower (Pulsatilla vernalis). Eastern pasque flower is endangered and in Finland it is a protected species. The decrease in forest fires and woodland grazing have hindered its reproduction.

Animals such as rabbits, pheasants, and caterpillars however do eat it. The plant is a low growing perennial because it is only about 8 to 12 inches in height.

Oleander Nerium

Every portion of this plant is packed of toxins, making it the most dangerous plant on the planet. Oleandrin and neriine are two of the most potent. The poison of an oleander is so potent that it can even poison someone who eats honey created by bees that have ingested oleander nectar.

Rhododendron and Azalea. These beautiful blooms look picture-perfect peeking out over a white picket fence, but the entire plant is highly toxic. Ingesting a flower, stem, or leaf could lead to abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, paralysis, coma, and even death.

Pulsatilla patens var. multifida is often placed in the genus Anemone, as Anemone patens var. multifida. Other common names include Eastern pasqueflower, prairie crocus, and cutleaf anemone.

Water hemlock is considered to be the most deadly plant growing in North America. It is common in moist areas in meadows, marshes, ponds and even roadsides. It can easily be mistaken for a favorite among florists, Queen Anne's lace, so it's good to get to know this plant well so you can spot it even among look-alikes.